FREINDS tells non-locals to join hands in ILP demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2012:
Clarifying that the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit system in the State is not a move to repel non-locals from Manipur or prevent their entry, FREINDS today urged the non-locals to join other organisations in demanding the implementation of ILP system in the State for the protection of the indigenous communities of the State.
A statement issued by the publicity secretary of FREINDS, W Santa Meitei urged non-locals of the State to stop circulating hypotheses that the demand for the implementation of ILP system as a move to drive out or to totally ban the entry of non-locals while clarifying that there is no provision in the ILP that entry of non-locals is totally prohibited.
Citing that many non-locals were still doing businesses in States where ILP has been implemented such as Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the statement asserted that ILP is a regulation framed by the Government of India to ensure the indigenous peoples' rights.
It further stated that the only option left to avoid bloody communal clashes as witnessed in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maharashtra, Assam and Tripura is the regulation of ILP in the State.
The statement further maintained that keeping records about the presence of non-locals would help in preventing the presence of many criminals who made a safe haven here and help check the instances of many non-locals disappearing after collecting money from the people by fraudulent means apart from being helpful in maintaining law and order and secure environment for business.
ILP implementation would also provide more secure environment to non-locals, it stated.
Pointing out that the total population of non-locals (put at 7,04,488) surpasses the total indigenous tribal population ( 6,70,782), the FREINDS statement added that the majority community, Meitei, population (7,51,822) outshines the non-locals by just 47,000 .
Stating that the State Government would provide security to the non-Manipuris if and when the Inner Line Permit system is implemented, the FREINDS statement urged the non-locals to participate in the agitation to demand its implementation.